2025 Retail Success Summit

“I am so thankful for the Virtual Retail Success Summit! I am reminded of the amazing things we learned each and every day. Every change we implement, no matter how small, is a step forward. Thank you Bob and Susan!”

– Stacey Williamson, Center of the Yarniverse, Ashland, VA

Get great information to improve EVERY area of your business – from finance to social media, staff training to store ops – and more! You’ll get both high-level concepts and proven tactical techniques to help you succeed. Learn from some of the best minds in the retail industry, including Bob & Susan Negen, plus a phenomenal lineup of other experts.

Tired of doom and gloom headlines? At the Retail Success Summit, you’ll get re-energized, refreshed, and refocused. There’s lots of GOOD news… uplifting real-life stories, unexpected innovations, and incredible opportunities. Come connect with a huge group of smart, focused, optimistic, creative indie retailers whose businesses are flourishing.

In your comfiest clothes and with a click of your mouse, you’ll enter the fantastic virtual world of the Retail Success Summit and instantly access everything this industry-leading event has to offer. No travel. No time away from your family. No hassles. Even easier, you’ll be able to instantly access the recordings and re-visit the virtual world for a full 30 days!

The normal in-person Summit is a great experience and worth every single penny, but there’s no denying that this year’s virtual conference will save you money. No plane fare. No hotel bill. No meal expenses. With unclear economic conditions ahead, this is a good time to be smart (by attending the Summit) and be frugal at the same time.

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Welcome To The Virtual World!

Let’s answer the most common question right away…

Why is the 2025 Retail Success Summit going virtual?

Quite simply, it’s so MORE retailers can attend, learn, grow, and improve. Hosting a virtual Summit this year takes away the barriers so many people said prevented them from experiencing the Retail Success Summit in person: long-distance travel, time away from the store, caregiving, and family commitments, not to mention the additional expense of an in-person conference.

We get it. We hear you. And we want EVERYONE to have the chance to get amazing ideas, feel the inspiration and rejuvenation, and leave with a clear action plan for the future. EVERYONE needs this wonderful jolt of energy for their retail business!

A virtual event has a lot of advantages… You can learn all day and still make it to your kid’s soccer game that night. You can have your team attend without paying for plane flights and hotel rooms. You can live halfway around the world and still be “in the room where it happens!”

But we didn’t want to completely lose the special connections and experience of being together in person. Just wait until you see the virtual world we have created for you!

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NOT Just Another Zoom Room!

The Imagine Mainstreet virtual world captures the vibrant feel of “in real life” experiences while still delivering the easy, affordable experience of a virtual event. Check this out…

  • An Entire Virtual World To Explore – On the first day of the Retail Success Summit you’ll enter into a virtual world filled with blue skies, fluttering flags, and other participants just like you heading toward the conference center. Inside, you can visit the Lounge to network with other retailers, visit the Exhibit Hall and connect with sponsors, get support at the Help Desk, and, of course, make your way to the Auditorium for the day’s presentations.
  • The Main Stage + Expert Guest Speakers – Once inside the virtual Auditorium, you’ll be immersed in best-in-class training for independent retailers delivered by Bob and Susan Negen plus some fantastic guest speakers. Sure, we’ll give you some breaks to explore the virtual world, but come ready to be inspired!
  • Real-Time Chat & Sharing – You’re only able to whisper to a few nearby people during a “real-world” presentation, but in our virtual world, you can instantly mastermind with everyone in the room – sharing thoughts, giving examples, brainstorming new options, and asking questions. Not only will you get ideas from the speakers, but also from the collective wisdom and experiences of all the participants. It’s POWERFUL!
  • Round Table Discussions – Find a discussion group that you’re interested in and join the conversation led by expert facilitators. Maybe it’s a hot topic, or maybe it’s an industry discussion group – this is your chance to ask lots of questions and talk with other people who share your passions or your concerns. This is a feature you’ve been asking for, and the virtual setting makes it happen.
  • Browse the Exhibit Hall – Each of the sponsors at the Retail Success Summit brings valuable tools, services, insights, and ideas specifically for indie retailers. In the virtual sponsor booths, you can have a video chat, learn more about the companies, get free downloadable resources, or watch a demo. These are the people in your corner, helping you to succeed!
  • Set Meetings With Key Sponsors – Once you’ve browsed the Exhibit Hall, set up some meetings for dedicated one-on-one time with the folks you’re most interested in talking to. Ask detailed questions specific to your store and learn more about how they can help you, individually. And don’t forget to add your meetings to your personalized schedule!
  • Build Your Own Schedule + Reminder Notifications – Create your own personalized schedule for the entire Summit. Plan for the main stage sessions, add your favorite breakouts, and automatically add your sponsor meetings. You’ll get instant notifications to remind you where to be and when – what could be easier?!
  • Find & Talk To Your Retail BFFs – One of the best parts of the in-person Summit is running into and re-connecting with your favorite retail friends – and we’ve made it happen inside the virtual conference center. You can easily look for specific friends, start a one-to-one video chat, or create a chat room for a group of your BFFs. You could even have lunch together and catch up on all the news!
  • Meet A NEW Retail Friend – Whether you’re mingling during the breaks or standing in line at Starbucks (true story!), the random connections you make at the Summit can turn into business-boosting, life-changing friendships. In the virtual world, your chances of making a meaningful connection go way UP. Use Smart Matchmaking to meet and network with others who share your interests, your industry, or other common characteristics.
  • Photo Booth – Take a selfie in the virtual photo booth and share who you are, express your personality, or even let us see inside your store! It’s all about having fun together and connecting with each other. What kind of photo props are YOU going to bring to the Summit?
  • Scavenger Hunt & Fun Prizes – Earn points and win prizes by exploring the virtual world, playing along, and participating in events. There will be lots of ways to engage, many ways to win! I mean who doesn’t like a great prize?
  • Your Digital & “IRL” Swag Bag – In addition to some great “in-real-life” swag you’ll in the mail, you can also pick up your digital swag bag at the Lounge inside the virtual conference center. Stuffed will all kinds of fun, whimsical, valuable, useful, and thought-provoking digital goodies – you’ll want to grab it first thing!
  • 30-Day Extended Experience – For a full 30 days after the Retail Success Summit ends, you’ll be able to head back to the Imagine Mainstreet virtual world. Did you take some notes you can’t decipher? Go watch the presentation again to get clarity. Were there two simultaneous breakouts and you really wanted to see both? Pop back in and watch any of the sessions at your convenience. Go back and pick up any digital resources shared by speakers or sponsors that you left behind. It will all be waiting for you…
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“Thank you, Bob and Susan, for all the amazing ideas, inspiration, and constant positivity!! And for creating this awesome community of like-minded individuals who are all here to share and lift each other up and keep everyone succeeding. So THANKFUL for all you do for us!”

– Lori Teed, Toy & Party, Barrie, Ontario, CANADA

3 Days Of World-Class Retail Education

The Retail Success Summit is the industry’s most comprehensive retail conference, filled with inspiring, practical content that has the power to transform your business. As we gather thought leaders, industry experts, and passionate entrepreneurs, we’ll explore what it truly means to “Imagine Main Street.”

For 18 years, retailers from all over the world have been blown away by the:
 

  • Ideas… from huge, breakthrough revelations to smaller, instantly actionable tips, what you learn at the Summit will push your business forward now and for years to come.
  • Inspiration… that will expand your confidence and motivate you to become better, bigger, bolder, and go after your dreams.
  • Skills… so you have the know-how to competently and profitably run your business, lead your team, and serve your customers,
  • Strategies… that will make all of the tactics you use more powerful and strengthen the connections you have with your customers and your community.
  • Insights… into both exciting new opportunities and potential dangers that lie ahead.
  • Tools… that allow you to work more efficiently and get more done – without having to reinvent the wheel.

In the words of Retail Success Summit attendee, Heidi Hardman, “Even after 30 years in retail, I’m learning things I never knew.”

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On the Main Stage With Bob & Susan Negen

Of course, you’ll have lots of mainstage sessions with your conference hosts and indie retail experts, Bob and Susan Negen.

Bob and Susan have "been there, done that," with a combined 40 years of on-the-floor retail experience. What they teach isn’t academic mumbo jumbo or high-brow theory but proven, money-making ideas that WORK for indie retailers. If you haven’t yet heard Bob and Susan speak, be prepared for a treat.

 

Keynote Speaker - Ari Weinzweig

Ari Weinzweig, Co-founding Partner of Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a line cook turned CEO. Zingerman’s Deli is now an iconic food establishment, and the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has blossomed into 11 businesses with an annual revenue exceeding $65 million. These businesses, while distinct, all share the same vision and guiding principles to share "The Zingerman’s Experience" with passion and commitment.

Ari has become a thought leader who expresses his learnings about positive business through extensive writing and keynote speaking.

He travels nationwide to share Zingerman’s unique approach to business, and has authored 10 books, including Parts 1-4 of his ongoing Guide to Good Leading series which encompasses the principles, beliefs, and pillars of him and the Zingerman’s organization.

Main Stage Topics

The Retail Dream Factory

Step out of the day-to-day grind and into a creative, inspiring space where anything you imagine is possible. Inside the Retail Dream Factory, we’ll guide you to imagine a bold, inspiring vision for your business.

From Dreaming to Doing

Big dreams are exciting—but they don’t build themselves. In this powerful session, we’ll break down the core skills, mindsets, and business structures you need to bring your vision to life. From leadership habits to foundational systems, team culture to profit-driving routines—this is how your dream starts to take shape.

Make Every Visit Count: Higher Sales, Happier Customers

Every customer that walks through your door is a golden opportunity. A well-trained, engaged sales team can turn each interaction into a Perfect Purchase for your customer and a loyal, enthusiastic fan for you. Learn the key techniques and mindsets that turn great service into increased sales and differentiate your store from the ho-hum competition.

Main Street Mavericks: Success Stories From Real Retailers

In this panel, you’ll hear firsthand from retail leaders who’ve mastered the art of growing sustainable, profitable businesses. From clever marketing tactics to effective leadership, these trailblazers will share the strategies that’ve worked for them, the mistakes they’ve learned from, and how they keep evolving to stay ahead of the curve.

Customer Service: A Love Story

A Conversation with Ari Weinzweig, Co-Founder, Zingerman's Community of Businesses

Great customer service isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships. In this special conversation, Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s, will join Bob and Susan for a heart-to-heart discussion on how they built thriving businesses by turning customer service into a true love story.

At Zingerman's, Ari realized early on that in order to deliver an exceptional customer service experience, day in and day out, they'd need to focus on more than "just" customer service. He will share the key elements that contribute to a culture of great service at Zingerman’s. Join us to equip yourself with tools and techniques for improving customer service and go back to your business with plenty of resources to adapt and put to use right away.

The WOW Effect: 19 Ideas To Delight Your Customers

What's the secret to transforming an ordinary customer visit into something extraordinary? It's all about creating WOW moments. In this session, we;ll break down 19 proven tactics to help you deliver exceptional service and experiences that leave a lasting impact.

The Gratitude Loop: Give More, Grow More

Giving triggers gratitude, and gratitude leads to action. In this session, we’ll explore how reciprocal marketing strategies can create a virtuous cycle of value between you and your customers. Discover ways to build trust, surprise and delight, and foster loyalty, all by giving more upfront—and watching the growth flow back to you.

Retail Rumble: 30 Ideas in 30 Minutes

It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s fiercely full of ideas. In this high-energy showdown, your hosts Bob and Susan go head-to-head, sharing one powerful retail idea per minute for 30 minutes. From marketing moves to operational upgrades, sales boosters to leadership tips—this rapid-fire session is packed with actionable takeaways you can put to work right away. Who wins the rumble? You do—when you leave with a notebook full of gold.

"Why Don't They Just Get It?" (And How to Fix That)

If you've ever found yourself frustrated with your team, wondering "Why don’t they just get it?" you're not alone. The truth is, most team issues come down to this: unclear expectations and inconsistent training. Learn how to fix that by creating a simple, repeatable system for teaching your team exactly what “great” looks like. Whether you're onboarding a new hire or coaching a seasoned employee, you’ll build competence, accountability, and confidence into every role. No more guessing, repeating, or micromanaging - just a team that gets it.

12 Profit Power-Ups

In retail, profits are the result of more than just selling. They come from smart choices, savvy systems, and understanding the numbers that drive your business. This high-impact session will show you 12 actionable ways to boost your profits - and put more money in the bank!

Stores With Soul: The Future Is Personal

As the world becomes more digital, detached, and transactional, independent stores have a powerful advantage: soul. In this session, we'll explore how authenticity, connection, and personal expression can be your superpower in a sea of sameness. Learn how to infuse your brand with meaning, show up with heart, and create a store that feels like home to your community. The future isn't generic - it's personal.

Main Street Momentum: Take Home The Dream And Make It Real

You’ve imagined a bigger, bolder, better future for your business - and now it's time to bring it to life. In this high-energy closing session, you'll get one final dose of wisdom from each of our speakers and build your personal action plan so you can hit the ground running the moment you return to your store. It's time to take the next step - your future starts now.

Expert Guest Speakers

Maximize Your Market Trips & Optimize Your Inventory

Ulla Hald, FAVES
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Dos And Don'ts Of Retail Financial Reporting

Lindsey Roberts, HarQuin Bookkeeping
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How Shoppers Think: Essential Insights Into The Mind Of Your Customers

Paul Erickson, Management One
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Becoming Vital To Your Local Community

Melodie van der Baan, Max Retail
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Strategic Storytelling: The New Shopify Growth Formula That Works

Scott Cunningham, Merchant Mastery & Social Lite
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From Customers To Superfans: Unlocking Growth With Personalized Retail Marketing

Nick McHenry, OneShop
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Securing SBA Funding For Your Business

Josh Zacchaeus, ProjectionHub
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Your Retail Scorecard: Understanding The Story Behind Your Numbers

Dan Holman, Retail by CRS
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The Future-Ready Retailer: Tools, Tech & The Mindset To Win

Crystal Vilkaitis, Rooted In Retail
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Holistic Profit Mastery: Building A Profit-Centered Retail Business

Christyne Gray, She Profits Now
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From Owner-Dependent To Exit-Ready

Pete Mohr, Simplifying Entrepreneurship
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Mastering PR - From Invisible to Influential

Jennifer Ann Johnson, True Fashionistas
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Marketing Overwhelm Is Keeping You Stuck—Here's Why

Beverly Cornell, Wickedly Branded
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Breakout Sessions

Susan Negen, WhizBang! Retail Training
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With 15 breakout sessions packed with real-world strategies, we know you can’t soak it all in at once - and you don't have to. You'll get instant access to all the replays for 30 days after the event concludes, so you can revisit your favorites, catch the ones you missed, and keep the inspiration flowing long after the final session ends.

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“The Virtual Retail Success Summit has been full of so much great information. I’ve hated to see each day end! From the info, to the great sessions and getting to talk to others, it’s been incredible.”

– Chef Darin, Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table, Savannah, GA

Who Attends The Retail Success Summit?

Summit attendees are mostly independent retail store owners and managers. And there are often service businesses like restaurants, limo companies, or dog washes in the mix. But within that general category, there are a WIDE VARIETY of businesses that attend.

Inside the virtual world, you’ll find a diverse range of business sizes, from single stores to multi-store chains. Every size is celebrated—whether you’re a team of one or 100, our speakers present ideas that will work in your size company.

Connect with a spectrum of businesses, from brand-new startups to seasoned, multi-generational retailers who have stood the test of time. The oldest business attending the Summit (that we know of) was founded in 1880! You’re never too old or too young to get great ideas and inspiration to grow your business.

Immerse yourself in a melting pot of industries, from boutiques to bike shops, antiques to automotive, and beyond—there’s something for everyone. With over 40 industries represented, you’re guaranteed to find like-minded retail professionals in your niche, ready to network and collaborate.

Unlike some trade shows or conferences that focus only on a specific industry or a specific topic, the Retail Success Summit is all about learning from every industry and delivering the information in every part of your business that you need to succeed.

Bottom line… if you’re a retailer, The Retail Success Summit is for you.

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What Past Attendees Are Saying

Save $500 On Registration!

Normally $997, now through April 30th you can get an Early Bird ticket to the Virtual Retail Success Summit for just $497 – and save $500!

Your ticket includes 3 days of business-building, money-making, retail-specific information, nationally recognized guest speakers, amazing networking opportunities, and your take-home action plan. PLUS, a full 30 days after the event to go back, watch any presentations you missed, and download all the digital swag.

Honestly, you’d have to sleep through the entire event not to pick up enough great ideas to pay the registration fee 100x, 200x, or even 500x over. A $50,000 ROI on this event should be a slam dunk. And, since this year’s event is virtual, you’ll have no additional costs for travel!

Last Chance To Register For $497… EVER!

The Early Bird special makes this already fantastic price a smokin’ hot deal at just $497. Plus, you can bring additional employees from your business for only $297 each.

But, fair warning, this is the last year we’ll be able to price it so low. Just like you, our costs for hosting this amazing event have gone up so next year, the price will too.  This deal is only good for only a short time – you don’t want to miss it!

Have questions? Call 800-842-1660 to register by phone. The WhizBang! Team would love to talk to you.

Your 100% Better-Than-Money-Back Guarantee!

If at the end of the first day of the Retail Success Summit, you do not feel you are getting ideas, strategies, tools, and techniques that (put into action) would generate at least $100,000 in revenue for your store, simply let our team know, have a phone call with Bob, and you’ll get a 100% refund of your registration fees… PLUS $1,000.

Why are we offering this crazy guarantee? Because, quite simply, we KNOW the value is there. No other event gives a guarantee like this, but then again, no other event is quite like the Retail Success Summit!

“I’ve attended the Retail Success Summit both in-person and virtually. I always learn something new – as the retail industry is ever-changing.”

– Janelle Rose, Willow Tree, Wyandotte, MI

Right now, you’re facing a moment of truth. It’s time to decide.

Are you going to figure out how to build the strong, profitable business you imagined when you opened your store – or are you going to let this opportunity slip away?

Are you going to take the actions necessary to protect your business and minimize the impacts of economic pressure outside your control?

Are you going to embrace new opportunities that are transforming our world or are you going to play small and secretly hope that things go back to the way they were?

The truth is… ‘HOPE’ is not a good business strategy.

Retail Success Summit is for action-takers and doers… people who want to take control of their business and increase their sales, profitability, and customer base without exhausting their energy, personal life, and support structures.

It’s for those who are ready to invest in themselves, learn new skills, and imagine what’s next.

It’s for YOU.

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Meet Our 2025 Sponsors